Trending Content - Business School and GMAT Forum
Career Resources
WSO Free Modeling Series - Now Open Through
July 31, 2026
9 Free Financial Modeling Lessons
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
+Bonus: Get 27 financial modeling templates in swipe file
High Finance Applications
Guaranteed
Get at least one offer GUARANTEED
- 1:1 support
- 92% success rate
- 2,000+ mentor network
- Unlimited Live bootcamps
- AI for resume + LinkedIn
- Networking automation tools
- HireVue simulation tool
- Full course library
- Private Slack community
- 20hrs of mocks
- + much more...
It really depends on what you're looking for. I know some coworkers who took full rides or significant scholarships to a top 25-ish local program that is highly regarded in the area. I know some who declined such offers (even full rides) to attend a top 10 school.
Scholarships only offer an up-front monetary advantage. Some may come from programs that have a network attached to it, but generally those networks are not as good as the network you're getting from the MBA.
For me, I turned down a large scholarship from a highly regarded local program for a top 10 school. My reasons fall in line generally that I am not earning any income for 2 years and that the opportunity cost of getting my MBA far outweighs the scholarship money that was given to me. But each person has their own reasons to attend a school for free or to take out loans for a more reputable program, it's all up to you.
Thanks for the input. I was fortunate enough to come out of UG with a decent amount of money in my pocket, so despite the significant costs of a top 10, I wouldn't be forced to take on a tremendous amount of debt. I guess this will ultimately be a pretty strong consideration in my decision making. A number of schools that have contacted me are also regional, and although admissions is adamant about their national placement, I'll definitely have to do some more research on the subject.
If you don't mind me asking, where did you decline, and where did you end up (comparable group is more than sufficient)?
Voluptas quod iste quam molestiae sit praesentium nesciunt. Temporibus voluptate voluptatem dolorum quod. Accusamus quo doloribus cum. Earum autem perferendis nemo vitae soluta eos.
Animi repellat quas quo repudiandae beatae quis non nesciunt. Velit excepturi non totam ut. Velit est itaque qui at cupiditate. Aut exercitationem qui aut et.
Ea itaque quis corporis. Earum possimus mollitia nesciunt voluptatum aut ex saepe. Sit praesentium et nostrum magnam. Aut itaque officiis nihil consequuntur esse ratione. Ullam minima ducimus iusto fugiat. Maxime delectus itaque dolorem consequatur porro.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...